I managed to get through recruiter screening, 1st interview with hiring manager and 2nd interview another manager. Hiring manager was great, very friendly and upfront, I think we would have worked together well. The 2nd interview with another manager was alright but seemed to wrap in a positive note. The above took place over a week and a half. Then they went on to ghost me for 2+ weeks, including the "talent coordinator" who was very responsive in setting up the interviews but went radio silent when I tried following up. After following up with several people, finally the recruiter caved and said he was asked to "keep you engaged" while they interviewed their preferred first choice candidate whom they were very keen to hire. They just needed to keep me around in case that candidate backed out for some reason. Instead of just being up front with me or turning me down, I was basically strung along for nearly a month in total. Very disgusting. I shouldn't be surprised because that's what most companies are - dishonest, flaky and only nice to you if it suits them. Was told later on that they abruptly stopped hiring, perhaps due to MaCrOeCoNoMiC cOnDiTiOnS. Hope the recession drags companies like this through the mud and into the sewer.